Alex Marquez tipped for Moto3 title challenge in 2014

Marc Marquez might not be the only world champion in the Marquez household this time next year, with younger brother Alex hotly tipped to mount a serious challenge for the 2014 Moto3 title.

At 20, Repsol Honda rider Marc is already a triple world champion in three different classes and last season he became the first rookie since Kenny Roberts in 1978 to capture the premier class title.

This year though also saw the emergence of Alex Marquez in the 250cc single-cylinder four-stroke Moto3 class.

Alex finished fourth in his first full season in 2013 and came on really strong in the second half of the season to claim five podiums in nine races.

That included a brilliant career first win in a dramatic Japanese Grand Prix at the Twin Ring Motegi.

Marquez rode the dominant KTM machine in 2013 and will switch to Honda next season, with the Japanese factory putting in a renewed effort to try and be more competitive next year.

Emilio Alzamora, who has mentored Marc since the age of 12, is also a big influence on the racing career of teenager Alex, and the Spaniard believes the younger of the supremely talented duo will have a title challenge in his sights.

Alzamora, who won the 1999 125GP world title without winning a single race, told MCN: “He has a lot of talent but he is different to Marc. I am a little surprised he got five podiums and one victory in his first season and for sure the target is to win the championship next year.”